By Richard MacFarlane
How about the design and architectural coffee table books? What of the older antiques guidebooks? I saw tried and true quotations and advisories which apply today.
Books and magazines on décor and design from other countries can inspire us. For me, the United Kingdom has meaning. The English Home, October 2019 issue, focused on cottages, rural retreats, rustic interiors, and the country life. Here’s a quote: “A house should be designed for the way you live rather than simply for how it looks.”
The Mary Miers book, The English Country House, From the Archives of Country Life, published in 2009 by Rizzoli International Publications in New York, is 484 pages. It has essays by leading British architectural historians such as John Martin Robinson’s “The Function, Planning and Social Use of the English Country House” or Tim Richardson’s commentary, “Landscapes and Gardens”. There are more than 400 illustrations. Beautiful wallpapers are included among many visuals, from porticos to skylights, staircases, bedrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms.
“The Scottish Country House” by James Knox, 2013, illustrates historic castles, manor homes, and palace interiors. We may not afford this luxury but there are concepts and creations that we can utilize.
Decorating your place of refuge takes time. It is a process that can be a lifelong journey. It should not be rushed. Let ideas grow. Test things before deciding.
Some stores will allow customers to borrow items to see if they work well in their homes. For instance, oriental carpet dealers can permit purchasers to borrow carpets to try them before committing. Some art galleries will allow you to take artwork to your home, to try it on the wall or on a desk. Others have been known to loan artworks for a fee. There is an element of trust between seller and buyer, obviously, but this is a preferred option, before you select.
Networking is important when considering décor options. Speak to antique dealers at the shows and sales. Visit antique stores; have a look at what is offered. Go to a home decorating convention for design ideas. Visit your local gallery and you will find art and paintings that can contribute to interiors in a myriad of colours, shapes, and designs.
There are plenty of books about antiques and how to display and use them. Here are some I have acquired mostly from used bookstores that carry beautifully illustrated volumes at half the retail value.
Lucilla Watson, Understanding Antiques, A Beginner’s Guide to the World of Antiques, Introduction by Judith Miller, London, England, 1987.
John Langdon, Canadian Silversmiths 1700-1900, Toronto, 1966.
Margaret Holland, Silver – An Illustrated Guide to Collecting Silver, London, England, 1973.
Linda Dannenberg, New French Country – A Style and Source Book, New York, 2004.
Sheila Chefetz, Antiques For The Table (A complete guide to Dining Room accessories for collecting and entertaining), New York, 1993.
John Bly’s Antiques Masterclass, London, England, 2005.
Alice Winchester, then the editor of Antiques magazine, published a book called How To Know American Antiques, New York, 1951.
If you’re renovating your home, Mary Gilliatt’s 2003 book, “Great Renovations and Restorations, A New Life for Older Homes”, provides a wealth of colour pictures and ideas, from farmhouses to townhomes, and apartments.
Tom Cruickshank’s book, “Old Ontario Houses – Traditions in Local Architecture”, 2000, shows off more exterior than interior designs but this text can give us ideas about decorating. From Mississauga to Merrickville to Napanee, there are colour images of heritage homes and properties.
Fifty years ago, 1974, Jean and Elizabeth Smith authored “Collecting Canada’s Past”, a popular coffee table book. “In collecting, it is useful to compare an antique shop with a museum,” they wrote. The book covers numerous topics such as woodenware, textiles, lighting, ceramics, metals, toys, and miniatures. In that regard, don’t forget the soft glow of candlelight that can add much to the warmth of a living and dining room.
There are books and magazines that combine decorating ideas with gardens. Two examples are from Canadian Homes and Gardens. Ruth M. Home, “Duncan Phyfe.” Canadian Homes and Gardens, September 1930. Illustrations of display rooms in Toronto department stores. Ruth M. Home, “Our Colonial Heritage.” Canadian Homes and Gardens, July 1930. A review of styles in early Canadian furniture, illustrated with modern revival items from Eaton’s and Simpson’s.
It gets better with editor Gerald M. Knox, Living The Country Life – Decorating, Gardens, Collectibles, Homes, in a ‘Better Homes and Gardens’ book, Des Moines, Iowa, 1988. To quote: “Say the word ‘country’ to ten different people and it’s likely to evoke ten different visions. Unlike any other decorating style, country is not just a look, but often a way of life as well.” Also: “Whether you’re attracted to the rustic or the refined, to old-fashioned comfort or uptown style, country acclimates easily and beautifully to any environment.” Headings include: A Cozy Cape Cod Cottage, A House For Three Seasons, Country Furniture – Primitive, Hooked Rugs, Country Houses – The Past Recycled, and Wildlife Gardens.
If you don’t have books and magazines, again, you can visit your local library where there should be a section devoted to décor, design, and acquiring and evaluating antiques.
The very best of luck with your home decorating and design. Celebrate the beauty in life, the beauty in nature, the architectural vision, and the romance of antiques in your homes.